Passengers’ solidarity and criticism for union
Families across the North East have been showing their support, and sharing criticism, as thousands of members of the RMT union took part in the biggest rail strike for around 30 years.
Readers have had their say as the industrial action began.
Katherine Yarrow: “Solidarity with the striking workers. Nothing was ever won by sitting back and capitulating.”
Dave Clark: “It is only right, and the Government should, as a high wage-promoting party, also support this.”
Philip Whitfield: “Solidarity with the rail workers. If people are inconvenienced by these strikes, remember it’s not the unions who have caused them.”
Adrian Paul: “All our rights as workers are being eroded. Some more than others. Actionsspeak loud er than words .”
Dean Marshall: “It’s not the rail workers who have allowed the energy companies/fuel companies to boost their profits by millions, it’s not the rail workers who chose to scrap the energy price cap, it’ s not the rail workers[ who] increased taxes. Get angry but at the right people ...”
Dougie Moffat: “Then prices have to go up to pay for a pay rise. Back to square one.”
Mandy Robson: “How will they help the people who can’t get to work or have had hospital appointments postponed.”
Mark Nicholson: “The pay rises will have to be paid for by companies increasing prices. This will further fuel the cost of living crisis.”
Kelvin Marsh: “Unions and Labour need to realise money does not grow on trees.”
Robert Telford: “The whole country is on its knees after Covid, the Government kept business afloat with fellow money! Yes we all deserve a pay rise but at what cost?”